As students and families leave Death Valley on a Louisiana Saturday night, one thing halts them on the way home: contraflow.
To non-Baton Rouge natives, the word contraflow may hold no significance. However, the sirens and cones blocking off the roads can cause hours of delays. Most students coming from out of the area have no idea what contraflow is, when it occurs on LSU’s campus or how to navigate it.
Contraflow will typically start towards the end of home LSU football games, mostly during the fourth quarter. This is when the Baton Rouge Police Department, assisted by other groups, will start to shut down roads to direct the flow of traffic outward, away from campus.
The roads that get closed down during this time are North Stadium Drive, South Stadium Drive and West Stadium Drive. Contraflow shuts down these roads that lead to certain residence halls and apartment complexes, which can be inconvenient for students. This causes people to drive in more traffic and out of their intended path.
Contraflow has no specific end period; it can last as long as the traffic is severe. Depending on the game sometimes it can take about an hour, other times continuing for longer. For those unaware of the post game traffic, it is advised to plan accordingly, whether that be leaving the game prior to the traffic, preparing to sit in the traffic or arranging a way to safely walk to your destination.
“The first time I got stuck in contraflow I was beyond confused being from Florida,” Cristina Pena said. “It took me what felt like lightyears to get home.”
Pena, a criminology junior, had never experienced contraflow before being stuck in traffic for an hour after an LSU football game her freshman year. This is relatable to many students, especially those living off campus for the first time.
Prior to LSU’s Family Weekend, those who were experienced in contraflow took to an LSU student and parent Facebook group to share advice, suggesting different routes to those trying to make it home swiftly and safely. One user in the group suggested the Waze app was the best way to avoid contraflow-related traffic. Others simply said “good luck” and that “traffic is terrible.”
Some argue that the contraflow does more harm than good.
“I simply just do not see the point,” said pre-law junior Kayla Horne.
Horne has been stuck in contraflow’s traffic many times. She argued that contraflow makes the traffic worse by clogging up roads that have one lane, saying the bumper-to-bumper traffic makes a 5-minute drive take 45 minutes.
Despite students’ complaints, contraflow will still take place Saturday after the Tigers take on Ole Miss in Death Valley.
